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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 15, 1939
Page
1
Britain debates a peace front policy in the Commons amid Albania, Italy, and Axis moves. Chamberlain argues against occupation plans while Attlee and Churchill call for a united stance, urging Russia talks, collective security, and a stronger deterrent to avoid another war.
Britain and France announced guarantees to Greece and Romania with similar pledges, while Turkey’s relations with Greece remain a focal point. Daladier affirmed defences and solidarity against aggression as discussions with Turkey continue cordially. Romania’s guarantee drew surprise. Italy’s Albania explanations caused Britons’ misgivings.
In the House of Commons Mr Oliver Stanley said government would act to implement war risk insurance when needed. He criticised solemn protestations and treaties, urging readiness as great powers press peace yet warn of possible aggression and the need for security to maintain world peace. Gibraltar front grows tense as Spanish troops mass near the rock. Over 100 Royal Engineers reinforce the main road amid barricades and heightened security.
The report notes a Friday in New York where police arrested members of a German organization. Trench shelters are under construction and evacuation plans are being prepared as the international situation remains grave. Melbourne coverage cites the Minister for Veterans Affairs commenting on the crisis.
Secretary for State Cor dell Hull in a worldwide broadcast on Pan America Day stressed the ability and determination of the United States to act if needed to defend their republic. London reports expansion of the territorial army, with sixty eight units now combat ready as part of war strength buildup.
Sydney reports sharp increases in war risk insurance for voyages to and from Australia. A London cable shows rates climbing across routes via Suez and the Cape, with Australia UK, US, and intra Australian legs all affected.
Under Secretary for State K. Welles at the University of Virginia warned that a handful of men threaten world safety and urged the United States to sell materials to prevent the conquest of peace loving nations. He criticized totalitarian aggression and said the menace spreads rapidly by conquest and violence.
ZELBOURN says cabinet meets in Canberra on Friday with discussion of international situation near today’s agenda. Likely parliamentary adjournment may be observed next week as a mark of respect to Mr Lyona for a fortnight. No statement on aviation matter. Mr Highest says international situation grave but not critical.
A great Chinese offensive rages on three fronts with claims of Japanese losses as Kaifeng changes hands. Chinese forces advance along the Canton-Hankow railway toward Weichang while Kwantung reporting gains and intensifying reinforcements pour in.
A strict guard kept over Parliament buildings as delegates from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand attended the Pacific Defence Conference. Detectives and orderlies guarded approaches and only authorised persons were admitted. Governor-General Lord Galway opened the meeting, saying the conference would last about a week.
Former Canadian volunteers formed the Mackensie Papineau battalion to fight in Spain. Most served nearly two years, lacked proper uniforms, and returned home under protest as casualties neared 200 with about seven deaths. They crossed into France and were sent to the seaboard by sealed train.
In Sofia on Friday the opposition staged a walkout from the Assembly protesting the postponement of a foreign affairs debate. Socialists led by Dr Zaharow accuse the government of pushing a pro-German line via radio and press to revive a German alliance as Bulgaria faces past war memories from 1915.
Three men were convicted of stealing goods valued at £408 from trains and charged with receiving stolen goods. James McGee, 35, and James Mathews, 83, received three years each, Harold Douglas McGregory, 21, fifteen months. At Parramatta Police Court they admitted counts of receiving or stealing on multiple charges, with six months on each charge, served concurrently.
Police obtained clues in the chase for two men who disappeared in the Narromine district earlier this year. A bloodstained bag was found near the disappearance site of Thomas Robins, 72, a pensioner. Gore is suspected to be the other man, about 22 or 23, with Robins last seen near Brumagen Creek where the dog led to three bags, one bloodstained and containing items sent for examination. Police describe Gore as about 10 stone, fair, and one of the men sought.
Germany informs Britain and France that the Reef operations will start next tenday off the Spanish coast and run through the month An action described as an extraordinary foreign training cruise, with three Deutschland class warships, three cruisers, a Rotilla destroyer flotilla, submarines and auxiliary craft likely to participate The plan includes calls at Portuguese Spanish and Moroccan ports as part of the voyage
A State Department official in Washington expressed surprise at a New York Times report from Canberra that Bruce will depart for Washington to discuss proposals for an Australian and United States exchange of ministers with full diplomatic status. The move is considered very unlikely at present.
A fragmentary report notes Italy accepts Victor Emmanuel’s crown in Albania. A speaker, Bignor Moussa ini, claims recent events arise from a troubled populace. A crowd of about 45,000 shouts for Corsica and Djibouti as Tirana plans to represent Victor Trimanue as king.
Melbourne Friday reports a leadership change crisis in the Commonwealth Parliament as the Labour Party intensifies preparations for the election. The organising secretary Mr Kennelly ML will visit Fehuce and Eaglehawk to address meetings.
Owing to the dual operation the rubber works are idle as owners face shortages and reduced output. The plant reports production delays and financial strain amid uncertain markets and transport disruptions affecting daily operations.
Empire defence plans discussed for Straits Settlements may yield gilt as trade and security priorities shape policy. Officials outline strategic aims, potential economic gains, and key stakeholders coordinate across colonial administration.
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